March 24, Colombo (LNW): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will record a statement from former President Maithripala Sirisena regarding his recent controversial remarks concerning the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, according to IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
Tennakoon revealed that the statement is scheduled to be recorded tomorrow (25).
This development comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny surrounding Sirisena’s assertion that he possesses crucial information regarding the true mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The CID’s decision underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement authorities are treating Sirisena’s comments, as they seek to ascertain any pertinent details related to the tragic bombings that shook the nation almost five years ago.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe extends the deadline for the nine-member Commission of Inquiry, chaired by former Chief Justice Priyasad Dep, to submit its final report on electoral reforms: The Commission, established to propose amendments aligning with contemporary needs, aims to enhance trust and accountability in the electoral process: Originally due by April 15, 2024, the deadline has been extended by two months to June 15, allowing more time for the Commission to formulate recommendations.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa responds to criticism that he ‘talks too much’ in Parliament, asserting that his remarks do not stand for personal benefit but for the rights of 22 million people of Sri Lanka: criticises the government’s attempt of relegating girls’ age of consent for sexual behaviour from 16 to 14, and the attempt of easing punishment for men under the age of 22 convicted for sexual assault.
JVP Chief Secretary Tilvyn Silva expresses the NPP’s goal of forming a more robust government, stating that a simple majority is insufficient for social change and economic recovery: emphasises the need for stronger power to achieve their objectives, aiming to establish the first People’s Government in Sri Lanka with substantial public support to overcome potential sabotage by rivals.
Public Security Minister Tiran Alles instructs IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon to launch an immediate probe into ex-President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent statements about the Easter Sunday bombings: Sirisena claimed to possess information on the attacks’ ‘true mastermind’ and expressed readiness to disclose it to the judiciary if requested: The remarks raise questions about Sirisena’s prior knowledge of the bombings, amidst ongoing discussions about alleged political motives behind the attacks: The CID, meanwhile, will record a statement tomorrow (25) from the ex-President over the comments.
Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announces a new strategy to stabilise prices and address currency depreciation concerns: Starting Monday, daily price disclosures for imported goods and VAT will be provided by the Consumer Affairs Authority: This aims to empower consumers with real-time pricing information: Measures are also in place to ensure a smooth supply chain during the upcoming festive season.
The Central Bank addresses controversy over salary revisions for its senior management and professionals, stating that the adjustment for 2024-2026 resulted from a collective agreement between CB’s Governing Board and employee representatives, made independently before any input from the COPF: In response, the COPF chairman suggested an independent committee review the agreement: CB reaffirmed its autonomous role in financial matters, emphasising its commitment to maintaining price stability and a stable financial system.
Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana highlights a surge in non-communicable diseases while launching the “Suva Udana” mobile health clinic program in Yakkalamulla, Galle: The initiative, the 14th of its kind this year, aims to provide vital healthcare services to rural areas: The mobile clinic offers various services, including dental care, laboratory tests, eye care, and screenings for blood sugar and blood pressure: Specialised clinics for kidney disorders, Ayurvedic medicine, and acupuncture are also available, focusing on early detection and referral of cases to government hospitals for further treatment.
Approximately 1,000 workers from Sri Lanka are set to arrive in Israel in March for agricultural work, particularly in harvesting citrus fruits: This follows efforts to address labour shortages in the agricultural sector, which were exacerbated by challenges after the October 7 Hamas incident: The arrival of Sri Lankan workers is expected to immediately alleviate labour demands in the agricultural industry and contribute to Israel’s food security.
Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe emphasises the ongoing economic challenges and the necessity for focusing on economic recovery in the upcoming election: stresses the importance of electing individuals with the capability to manage the economy effectively and provide clear vision, highlighting that the country’s economic situation remains precarious.
The Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, led by Chamari Athapatthu, departs for South Africa to participate in three one-day and three T20 matches: Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan under-19 women’s team is set to compete against England and Australia in Sri Lanka: Despite only one under-19 player, Vishmi Gunaratne, joining the national team for the South Africa tour, expectations are high for their performance against Australia and England in the upcoming tournament.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): The nation is confronting a surge in non-communicable diseases, Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana disclosed.
The Minister’s remarks appeared at the inauguration of the “Suva Udana” mobile health clinic programme in Yakkalamulla, Galle yesterday (23).
The “Suva Udana” initiative, marking the 14th such endeavour this year, is designed to deliver essential healthcare services to rural communities.
During his address, Pathirana underscored the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases nationwide.
The mobile clinic is equipped to provide a wide array of services, encompassing dental care, laboratory diagnostics, eye care, and screenings for blood sugar, lipid levels, body mass index, and blood pressure.
Moreover, specialised clinics focusing on kidney disorders, traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and Chinese acupuncture are also available.
With an emphasis on early detection and intervention, the Ministry of Health aims to refer identified cases to government hospitals for further medical attention.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): In response to growing concerns regarding the escalation of prices for essential commodities and the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has introduced a new strategy aimed at stabilising the market in anticipation of the upcoming festive season.
During a press briefing, Siyambalapitiya unveiled plans for the daily disclosure of prices for imported goods and Value Added Tax (VAT), effective from the forthcoming Monday.
This initiative will be overseen by the Consumer Affairs Authority.
The primary objective of this measure is to furnish consumers with real-time pricing information, enabling them to exercise greater financial prudence amidst the prevailing inflationary environment.
Additionally, the Minister assured the public that comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure an uninterrupted supply chain of goods, thereby mitigating the risk of any potential shortages that could disrupt festivities during the upcoming season.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): India, the world’s leading exporter of onions, has extended its ban on onion exports indefinitely, a decision that has surprised markets and is poised to escalate prices in various international markets, Reuters reported.
Initially imposed in December, the ban was scheduled to conclude on March 31. However, an official order issued late on Friday has extended the prohibition until further notice.
The extension comes despite a significant drop in local onion prices, which have decreased by more than half since the implementation of export restrictions.
Additionally, the ongoing harvest season has brought fresh supplies to the market, leading traders to anticipate the lifting of export limitations.
An executive from a Mumbai-based export firm, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the extension as surprising and unnecessary given the declining prices and increased supplies from the new crop season.
Prices in major onion-producing regions like Maharashtra have plummeted from 4,500 rupees per 100 kg in December to 1,200 rupees per 100 kg currently.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is entering an election season, with polls scheduled to take place over nearly seven weeks starting from April 19.
The decision to extend the export ban could have political implications as Modi seeks re-election for a third consecutive term.
The ban’s impact extends beyond India, affecting countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, and the United Arab Emirates, which heavily rely on Indian onion imports to meet domestic demand.
Consequently, these nations have grappled with soaring prices due to the restricted supply.
The ban has also created opportunities for competing exporters to capitalise on the market vacuum left by India.
With India typically offering shorter shipment times compared to rivals like China or Egypt, it accounts for more than half of all onion imports by Asian countries.
India’s onion exports reached a record 2.5 million metric tons in the financial year ending on March 31, 2023, underscoring its significance in global onion trade.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): In March, approximately 1,000 workers from Sri Lanka are anticipated to arrive in Israel to engage in agricultural work, primarily focused on harvesting citrus fruits.
This information was provided by the Director General of Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority.
Following the Hamas massacre on October 7, distress has permeated the agricultural sector.
Consequently, numerous efforts have been undertaken to address the resulting challenges.
These efforts include forging agreements with other nations to recruit foreign laborers and facilitating discussions between Israeli employers and embassy representatives.
The ministry has emphasised that the influx of Sri Lankan workers will offer immediate assistance in meeting the labor demands of this critical industry.
Furthermore, their contribution is viewed as instrumental in safeguarding the food security of the State of Israel.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has directed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon to initiate an immediate inquiry into the recent statements made by former President Maithripala Sirisena concerning the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.
On Friday (22), Sirisena asserted that he possesses knowledge regarding the true mastermind behind the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and expressed readiness to disclose this information to the judiciary upon request or order.
Speaking to the media in Kandy, Sirisena underscored his willingness to reveal pertinent details while emphasising the judiciary’s responsibility to maintain strict confidentiality regarding such disclosures.
In parallel, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Kavinda Jayawardena filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (23), urging for a swift investigation into the former President’s contentious statements.
These remarks have ignited controversy within the political sphere, casting scrutiny on the former President for allegedly withholding vital information concerning the tragic bombings that resulted in the loss of over 270 lives.
These claims appear in the midst of ongoing dialogues surrounding an allegation previously made by the British ‘Channel 4’ citing what it claimed as evidence from a former top state official and a political escapee that a conspiracy to bring forth a certain presidential candidate was behind the genocide.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe has initiated the extension of the deadline for the nine-member Commission of Inquiry, appointed to draft proposals for electoral reforms, to submit its final report.
The Commission, chaired by former Chief Justice Priyasad Dep, was established by the President in October of the preceding year via a special gazette notification.
Tasked with formulating recommendations to amend electoral laws to align with contemporary societal requirements, uphold principles of good governance, and fortify representative democracy, the Commission aims to rebuild trust and accountability by enhancing the legal framework governing the registration and operations of political parties.
Among its directives, the Commission is mandated to propose measures for augmenting the representation of women and youth, streamlining the electoral timeline from announcement to result declaration, exploring modern voting technologies, and facilitating voting for Sri Lankan expatriates.
Initially instructed to submit its recommendations by April 15, 2024, President Wickremesinghe has taken measures to extend the deadline by an additional two months.
Consequently, the Commission has been granted an extension until June 15 to furnish its final report.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) released a statement on Saturday (23) addressing the recent discussions surrounding a salary revision for its senior management and professionals, which has garnered public attention and sparked controversy.
According to the statement, the salary adjustment for the period 2024-2026 was the outcome of a collective agreement reached between the CBSL Governing Board and employee representatives.
This decision, made independently prior to any recommendations from the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), was communicated to the COPF on March 16, 2024.
In response to the situation, the Chairman of the COPF has advised that an independent committee review the collective agreement to increase salaries for CBSL staff, proposing revisions across all employee categories within the institution.
Emphasising its autonomous role as the apex financial institution in Sri Lanka, the CBSL operates under the powers vested in it, first established under the Monetary Law Act, No. 58 of 1949 and now governed by the CBSL Act, No. 16 of 2023.
Furthermore, the CBSL underscores its responsibility in achieving and maintaining domestic price stability and ensuring the stability of the country’s financial system.
To fulfill this crucial national mandate, the CBSL relies on its experienced and professional staff.
The recent salary adjustment was aimed at retaining this experienced workforce to enable the institution to operate effectively and fulfill its responsibilities to the nation.
March 24, Colombo (LNW): Today marks the 75th birthday of President Ranil Wickramasinghe, a figure whose recent contributions to Sri Lanka’s political landscape have been both pivotal and scrutinised.
Reflecting on the events of the past two years, Sri Lanka found itself embroiled in a multifaceted crisis by March 2022. The populace grappled with extensive fuel and gas shortages, incessant power outages, and a rapid escalation in commodity prices, fostering an environment of economic turmoil and political unrest.
In the midst of this upheaval, Ranil Wickramasinghe, having endured a resounding defeat in the 2020 general election and subsequent months of relative seclusion, emerged as a central figure in the nation’s political theatre.
Assuming the roles of Prime Minister, Acting President, and Executive President during a period of intense flux, Wickramasinghe faced the daunting task of navigating Sri Lanka through the turbulent waters of economic strife and political volatility.
In the words of former President Ranasinghe Premadasa, Wickramasinghe wielded a “double-edged sword,” confronting the twin challenges of economic downturn and political instability, each exacerbating the other’s effects. Urgent action was imperative to prevent the conflagration of public discontent from engulfing the nation entirely, threatening the fabric of its democratic governance.
While the resolution of Sri Lanka’s economic woes remains an ongoing endeavour, Wickramasinghe’s adept handling of the immediate need for political stability stands as a testament to his leadership acumen.
His tenure between his 73rd and 75th birthdays serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to navigate crisis-ridden waters, where not every decision is met with universal acclaim, yet decisive action remains paramount.
As Sri Lanka stands at another critical juncture, with impending elections shaping the nation’s future trajectory, Wickramasinghe’s role in shaping the country’s destiny hangs in the balance.
Whether he chooses to embrace a more active role in the coming months or assumes a different position remains to be seen, a decision that will not only be inscribed in the annals of history but also shape the course of Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
On this milestone occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe, acknowledging his enduring dedication to public service and wishing him a happy 75th birthday.
